Permits

For a small refuge, there are plenty of great reasons to plan a visit to Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge. Most activities do not require a permit or entrance fee. See the information below for a general understanding of the activities that do require a permit and find resources for obtaining a permit.

There are no permits required to use Toppenish NWR for public activities like hiking, bird watching, etc. Commercial activities, such as filming, require a special use permit issued by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Hunting requires the appropriate Washington State licenses and stamps.

Other specific activities, like logging or wildlife photography in closed areas, would require a Special Use Permit from the the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Please contact the main office at mcriver@fws.gov for details.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service issues permits under various wildlife laws and treaties at a number of offices throughout the country. Permits enable the public to engage in legitimate wildlife-related activities that would otherwise be prohibited by law. FWS permit programs ensure that such activities are carried out in a manner that safeguards wildlife. Additionally, some permits promote conservation efforts by authorizing scientific research, generating data, or allowing wildlife management and rehabilitation activates to go forward.

What We Do

Mid-Columbia River Steelhead

Steelhead are part of the history and mystique of the Northwest. Immortalized in ink by Zane Grey, pursued by anglers from around the world, prized by chefs throughout the region, steelhead are a defining symbol of the West Coast. Steelhead fishing, especially by dry fly, is an almost mythical experience to its followers. Toppenish NWR is doing its part to ensure the long-term viability of steelhead populations.